Beecher J. Rhoades, 88

July 25, 2014

He was born in Wheeling, W.V., March 15, 1926 ,a son of the late Beecher J Rhoades and Grayce Long Rhoades.

April 10, 1948, he married the former Betty Elizabeth Burnside and they celebrated 66 years of marriage in April.

His patriotism and love for family will be carried on by his lovely wife and their five children, Jessie L. Momen of Morgantown, W.V., Stewart J. Rhoades and wife Linda of Freemans Creek, W.V., Donna G. Fox and husband Ron of Bridgeport, W.V., Loretta F. Rhoades of Clarksburg, W.V., and Joy D. Heath and husband Mark of Weston, W.V.; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Brenton Lee Rhoades and wife Sandra of Lake Havasu Ariz.; sister, Arletta Watkins of St. Clairsville, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Jim and â€śRockyâ€ť Rhoades; one sister, Nancy Poulter; and one daughter, Teresa Messenger.

Beecher was an honored veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in World War II and the Korean War. In 2006, he was recognized as the Marine Corps League Marine of the Year. He was an active volunteer who also served as Marine Corps League, Dept. of WV 21st Commandant.

He retired from the Equitable Gas Company with 33 years of service, retiring in 1985. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed farming, fishing, traveling, and flying his Cherokee airplane. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #10 AF & AM and the Freemansburg United Methodist Church.

Friends and family will gathered at the Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew Saturday, May 24, 2014. Funeral Services were Sunday from the Pat Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Russell Furr officiating. Interment followed in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Full military honors were accorded by the United States Marines Corp and the Lewis County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation at PO Box 9548 Huntington WV 25704 or to the Marine Corps League D.H.L c/o Ralph Cole Treasurer PO Box 2523 Clarksburg WV 26302-2523.

The Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored and privileged to serve the family of Beecher Rhoades. Online condolences may be expressed at www.patboylefuneralhome.com